Standby power that goes the distance for Bahrain petrol stations

Supply:

• 7 x Cummins C55D5I diesel generator sets
• 2 x Cummins C110D5 diesel generator sets
• 2 x Cummins C66D5I diesel generator sets
• 1 x Cummins C150D5 diesel generator set
• 1 x Cummins C275D5I diesel generator set
• Supply, installation, testing, commissioning, plus maintenance and warranty cover

Power at the ready

A major player in Bahrain’s oil and gas industry, with an extensive retail petrol station network across the kingdom, the Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO) relies on stable power to keep its fuel stations running smoothly. Each station typically comprises fuel pumps, a convenience store and support infrastructure, all of which operate 24/7/365 and can be vulnerable to power grid failures. While the local grid remains generally reliable, the environmental stresses of Bahrain’s high temperatures and dusty conditions can occasionally contribute to localized outages or reduced equipment performance, especially during the scorching summer months.

Faced with these risks, BAPCO looked to Manama-based YBA Kanoo Machinery, Bahrain, the sole officially authorized Cummins distributor in the kingdom, to deliver the critical emergency power it required. Sealing the deal was BAPCO’s existing, trusted relationship with YBA Kanoo, which has Cummins generator sets already successfully up and running at a number of its Bahrain forecourts. This ongoing partnership, combined with Cummins’ global reputation for robust power technology and excellent local distributor support, was more than enough to convince the customer that YBA Kanoo could deliver the instantaneous switchover to reliable backup power it needed in the event of grid interruptions.

Bespoke units built for challenging conditions

With its first-hand experience of Bahrain’s climate—ambient temperatures often exceed 45°C, and dust and sand can affect equipment efficiency—YBA  Kanoo knew its BAPCO installations had to be resilient enough to perform flawlessly, whenever needed. Its task was to supply standby generator sets to a number of petrol stations: most situated in urban areas and the remaining in remote and semi-remote desert locations.

Collaborating with BAPCO and other stakeholders, YBA Kanoo set about custom-engineering the systems to match the sites’ unique requirements.  Following load assessments and sizing calculations, it specified a variety of 13 models of Cummins 50 Hz diesel generator sets for installation across the 12 petrol stations—one at each of 11 sites and two at a final, 12th station. Detailed site planning served to finalize the systems’ design and placement, with YBA Kanoo and Cummins cooperating to adapt each unit for the challenging conditions. Advanced cooling and filtration systems to mitigate dust and heat, plus dust-proof enclosures with thermal insulation, corrosion-resistant coatings and dust-sealed electrical compartments ensured maximum durability. Full factory testing provided additional reassurance before dispatch.

Regulatory compliance assured

Working closely with Cummins, YBA Kanoo engineers installed the systems professionally and safely to meet all operational and regulatory compliance requirements. The teams integrated the systems with each site’s electrical network to provide automatic backup, and optimized load management settings to prioritize essential services such as fuel pumps, lighting and POS systems. Generator sets were placed on reinforced concrete bases, supported by vibration-isolating mountings for stability. Sufficient ventilation and exhaust passageways ensure safe operation in limited utility spaces, and acoustic enclosures minimize noise emissions—crucial in urban and customer-facing environments.

“Working in Bahrain’s climate demands more than just standard equipment: it requires precise engineering and local knowledge. The country’s heat and dust are relentless, but by collaborating closely with Cummins, we could tailor a solution that exceeded performance expectations. The success of this installation testifies to the strength of combining global technology with local expertise.”

Muhammed Suhail

Sales & Application Engineer
YBA Kanoo Machinery, Bahrain

Elevating efficiency across the BAPCO network

Proactive care and planning

With the required generator sets rolled out, YBA Kanoo conducted full on-site testing and commissioning programs including electrical load testing, validation of safety and shutdown systems and operator training—all in accordance with Cummins global protocols and in alignment with BAPCO’s project teams.

To ensure the long-term dependability of the equipment, YBA Kanoo also provides BAPCO with full, ongoing maintenance and warranty backup, both driven by its and Cummins’ proactive ethos. Alongside preventive maintenance schedules with service intervals and filter replacement cycles to match Bahrain’s harsh conditions, the distributor also provides corrective maintenance and emergency repairs with 24/7 field support and local stocks of Cummins parts. Together, it’s a robust and forward-thinking package that works to minimize downtime and reduce risk, while also lowering operating costs and extending the equipment’s lifespan. The end result for BAPCO is maximum confidence that the power that drives its petrol station network will never fail.